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FISH SPECIES
IN THE LOWER WAITAKI RIVER
AND ITS TRIBUTARIES
BY
S. J. l¡l]NG
FISHERIES ENVIRONMENTAL REPORT NO. 1
N.Z. MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FISHERIES
OAMARU
DECEMBE R
1978
FISHERIES ENVIRONMENTAL REPORTS
Edited by: S.F. Davis
This report is one of a series of reports issued by F'isheries ResearchDivision on important jssues related to environmental matters. Theyare 'i ssued under the fol I owì ng crì teri a :
(1) They are informal and should not be cited without the author'spermission.
(2) They are for lim'ited circulation so that persons and organisationsnormalìy receÌvÌng Fisheries Research Dìvision publicatjons shouldnot expect to receive copìes automatìca'lly.
(3) Copies wìll be issued init'ially to organ'isatìons to which the reportis djrect'ly relevant.
(4) Copìes will be issued to other approprìate o.rganisations on requestto Fisheries Research Division, Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries,Prjvate Bag, Christchurch.
(5) These reports wìll be issued where a substantial report is requiredwith a time constraint, ê.g" a submjssìon for a trjbunal hearing.
(6) They will also be issued as interim reports of on-goìng environmentalstudies for which year by year or intermittent report'ing ìs advant-ageous. These interim reports wiì'l not preclude formal scient'ificpubl ication.
1.
2.
3.
CONTENTS
I ntroducti on
Methods
Fish Species Composition
(a ) Nati ve
( b) Introduced
Di scussion
Acknowl edgements
Literature Cited
and Distribution
FI GURES
2.
1. The hJai takì Ri ver system.
Distribution of native fishes in the
lower Waitaki River.
Distribution of native fìshes in the
lower l¡Jaitaki River.
Page
1
1
Page
2
5
1
1
9
t2
L4
L4
4.
5.
6.
3.
104. Di stri bution
I ower I'Jai taki
Tim'ing of the
hjai taki fi sh
of introduced salmonids in the
River system.
life history of some lower
speci es.
5. 13
1. INTRODUCTION
The Lower Waìtaki River (Figure 1) is at present under study
by the Minìstry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Fisheries Research Division,
to establish possible effects of future hydro electric polrler development
proposaìs on the existìng fishery. This river provides habitat for
a large range of fish species both native and introduced, and the
purpose of th'is paper is to identify the species, the'ir habitat
areas, s'ignificance, and the possìble effects of future development.
2. METHODS
Fish samples were collected by netting, using both seine and
gill nets, as described ìn Lagler (1952), electrofishing (Burnet 1959),
and visual observations during field work. Spec'imens taken were
preserved in I0% formalin for laboratory identification, wh'ich was
carrjed out using McDowall (1978).
3. FISH SPECIES COMPOSITION AND DISTRIBUTION
(a) Native
Nineteen species of native fish are found in thjs area. Some
spend their entire life cyc'le in freshwater, others m'igrate to the sea
at various stages in the'ir l'ife cycìe and spend varyìng lengths of time
in fresh water. Distributjons of the various specìes are shown in
Figures 2 and 3.
( i ) Longfinned eel (AnguiTJa dieffenbachii)
Found in slower-flowìng areas of the main stream and tributaries,
this fish lives under cover or in muddy areas. It is present ìn most
locatjons, and the population density 'is light to moderate. The
juvenì1es (glass eels) enter the river from August- December, gradually
2.
N
WoitokiRlver
ristchurch
moru
Dunedin
FI GURE 1 . The l¡Ja j ta k i Ri ver syS tem.
)
dispersing throughout the system. They can climb obstructions
( i .e. I^Jai taki Dam) . The adul ts mj grate to sea durì ng March-Apri I
to spawn (probably ìn deep areas jn the Pacific Ocean), after a
number of years in fresh water. At mìgration, the males average age
is 22 years, whjle females average 33 years (McDowall 1978). The
average size of males is 645 mm, and females average 1193 mm. Eels
feed on both insects and other fìsh.
Thìs species ìs of commercjal value, although in the hlaitaki River
the only sujtable areas for commercial fishing are the hydro lakes,
which are dependant on recru'itment of stock from downstream over the
hydro dams. Some eels are taken for food purposes from various
I ocati ons "
(ii ) Shortfinned eel (Ansui77a austrafìs)
This eel is of similar habits to the longfinned eel, but does not
grow to such a ìarge size and usually is not found so far up the
tributaries. Migratìon times are similar, but males migrate at an
average age of 13 years, and females at 19 years. The s'ize of adult
males averages 480 mm, that of females 688 mm.
(iii) Lamprey (Geotria ausÈralis)
Juvenjles are found in sandy or muddy areas both in trjbutaries
and the main riVer, where they spend several years burrowed into the
bottom, feedi ng on mi cro-oirEanri srsrs before emerg'ing and m'igrat'ing to
sea. The adu'lts enter the river in late winter - early spring, after
several years at sea. They are thought to spawn in sandy or muddy
areas and almost certainly dìe after spawn'ing. Migrat'ions occur at
night or on a flood and are therefore seldom seen. The adults are
not usually preyed on by other fishes, aìthough iuveniles have been
recorded from trout stomach contents in the Hakataramea River. Lampreys
were formerly valued by the Maori as a food. Adult sizes range from
450 - 600 mm.
4.
(iv) Common smelt (Retropinna retropinna)
This species is anadromous, the adults migratìng'in from the sea
to spawn during October-December, and adults are present in the lower
part of the river (3 km) until autumn. At times the fish occur in
large shoals, spawnìng 'in the lower river near the lagoon. The
larvae are washed out to sea, and return as adults at two years of
age to spawn. Adult size ranges from 70 - 90 mm. The fish are
of significant importance as a food for trout, ee'ls, black flounders,
kahawai and many of the sea birds found in the area.
(v) Inanga (GaJaxias macuLatus)
Thìs fish is the predominant species in the whitebait catch. The
adults live in the lower river and lagoon area in back waters and
close to cover, the adult size ranging from 100 - 110 mm. They spawn
in the tjdal zone on grasses and rushes at the margin of areas which
are covered by spring t'ides in February-April, the eggs hatch'ing at
the following spring tide. The larvae then go out to sea returning
after six months (August-December) as whitebaìt. I^lhitebait are caught
by fìshermen (not commercialìy in this river) at the mouth and in the
lagoon in small wire-gauze nets" The legal season ìs 1 September -
30 November each year. This species prov'ides food for trout and
other species present 'in the lower river.
(vi ) Banded kokopu (Galaxìas fasciatus)
This species is also present in the whitebait catch. The adults
live in some of the trìbutary streams in pool areas where suitable
cover is available. They spawn in these areas in autumn - early winter,
and the young mìgrate to sea during floods. Adult size averages
about 200 mm. Population density is low.
(v'i i ) Koaro (Gaf axias brevipinnis)
Th'is specjes is also present in the whitebait catch in small numbers.
5.
Cornmon Smelt
Kooro
Inongo
Bonded Kokopu
D
+
x
FIGURE 2. Distribution of native fishes in the lower hjaitaki River.
6.
The adults lìve high'in the upland streams in fast-water areas (upper
Maraewhenua, Hakataramea etc.). They spawn in autumn - early winter
and in sonte areas the young migrate to sea. Juveniles are capable
of cl'imb'ing dam rock faces, hydro dam sl'ipways, etc. Lake resi dent
populations are also found in the hydro lakes.
(vi i i ) G'iant kokopu (Gaf axias arsenteus)
Also present in small numbers in the whitebait run, this is the
largest spec'ies of Gal-axias, sometjmes known as native trout. Adults
live not far from the sea, in back-water areas where there ìs p'lenty of
cover, spawning ìn these areas from autumn - early winter. Adult
size averages about 300 mm. The young migrate to sea.
(ix) Common river galaxias (Galaxias vuJsarìs)
Not a whitebait specìes, th'is fish is present in moderate to high
numbers in most locations in the main river and tributaries. It spawns
in the same areas during late winter and sprìng. Adult s'ize ranges
from 100 - 115 mm. The fry appear in schools in back-waters and in
the shallows along the stream marg'ins. The fish provides some food
for trout.
(x) Canterbury mudfish (Neochanna burrowsius)
Although not present in the main river, this species js found in
swampy areas on the pla'ins to north and south of the river. It spawns
in these swamps and has been known to aestivate when the swamps dry up
in drought periods. Th'is species is endangered by drainage.
(xi) Torrentfish (cheimarrichthss fosteri)
Adults are found in fast water in the main river and'larger tributarìes,
'in low to moderate water depths" Spawning occurs in the river in summer
and early autumn and the eggs or young fish are washed out to sea.
They return to fresh water at about 25 mm in'length. The adult sjze
ranges from 100 - 125 mm.
7.
(xi'i ) Redfinned bul ly (Gobiomorphus huttoni)
This species is common in the main rjver and.tributaries, spawning in
the adult habitat during July-November. The young migrate to sea on
hatching, returning to the river when 15-20 mm long. It feeds on
invertebrates and is taken by trout as food. Adult sizes range up
to 100 mm.
(xiìi) Giant bully (Gobiomorphus gobioides)
Adults are found in the lagoon area jn slow flowing water. It ìs
thought that spawning probably occurs there, the larvae beìng marine.
Adults average about 150 mm in length, and occur only ìn small numbers.
(xiv) Bluegilled bu'lly (Gobiomorphus hubbsi)
Adults are found in the lower rìver (up to 10 km upstream). Spawning
occurs in the adult habitat during spring and summer. Larvae migrate
to sea, returning the next sprìng when 15-20 mm in length" Adult
size ranges from 50-60 mm, and the population densjty Ìs moderate.
(xv) Common bully (Gobiomorphus catidianus)
This species is very common in most areas of the main river and
tributaries. Spawning occurs 'in spring and summer on stones and boulders
in the river. The larvae m'igrate to sea, returning when 75 - 20 mm in
length. Adult size ranges from 70 - 150 mm. Important as a food
fish for trout, and populat'ion densìties are high.
(xvi) Upland bully (Gobiomorphus breviceps)
This fish is found'in most areas throughout the river, spawning
on rocks etc., during spring and summer. The young do not m'igrate to
sea but free swim'in poo'ls and quìet areas ìn streams. Adult size
ranges from 85 - 90 mm. This species'is also important as a trout
food, and has high populatjon dens'it'ies.
8.
Block Flounder
Multet
Kohowoi
Bluegitled Bulþ
Lakeitaki
o
ll
+
x
FIGURE 3. Distribution of native fishes in the lower hlaitaki River.
o
(xvi 'i ) Bl ack fl ounder (RhombosoJea retiaria)
Adults are found in back-waters and quiet areas of the river for
at least 36 km upstream. They could spawn ìn the rjver or may migrate
to sea for this purpose. The diet includes small insects and the
occasional fish. Adult size averages 300 mm. It ìs very common ìn
the lagoon area during spring months, and is caught by fishermen usìng
net and spear.
(xviii) Yelloweyed mullet (ataricnetta rorsteri)
Adults and juveniles shoal in the mouth and lagoon area from
September onwards whilst feed'ing; spawning occurs at sea. They are
present in large numbers, and are caught by rod lines and net for food,
and as bait for sea fìsh" Adult s'ize ranges from 150 - 200 mm.
(xix) Kahawai (Arripis trutta)
This species is a valued sportìng fish. Adults shoal 'in the mouth
area and enter the lagoon from October-April, but spawnìng takes place
at sea. They are caught by anglers for both sport and food. Small,
shoaling fish are the main component of the diet. Examination of
stomach contents from this area have shown some salmon smolts present.
Adult size ranges from 500 - 550 mm, and they are often present'in very
large numbers.
( b) Introduced
The known djstribution of the five species of introduced salmonids
is shown in Figure 4.
(i) Raìnbow trout (salmo gairdnerii)
Introduced into New Zealand in 1883, adult rainbow are an ìmportant
game species in this river, found in all areas of the majn rìver and
larger tributaries. Adults migrate to tributary streams and suìtable
side stream areas to spawn during June - September. The majn areas
utilised are the Maraewhenua and the Hakataramea Rivers. Rainbow
10.
N/t\-1- Quinnot Solmon
Brown Trout
Roinbow Trout
Brook Chor
11.
trout mature after three years, and the adult average size'is
460 mm.
( i i ) Brown trout (sarmo trutta)
This is also an'important game specìes found in all areas of the
main river and most tributaries" It was introduced into New Zealand
in 1867. The adults migrate to tributary streams and suìtable side
stream areas to spawn from April-June. The main areas used are the
Maraewhenua River, Hakataramea River and Awakino. The average size
of adult brown trout is 450 mm. They are known to go out to sea, with
ìarge fish (up to 7 kg) be'ing caught near the mouth area during sp¡ing
and early summer.
(i'ii ) Quinnat salmon (oncorhgnchus tshawgtscha)
Probably the most sought after game fish in this rjver, adult
salmon are caught during the spawning run at the mouth and as they move
up the ¡iver. Large numbers of ang'lers are attracted durìng the
spawning run which occurs from late December untjl April.
Quinnat salnon were introduced into thè l,laitakì Riverin 1901 with
releases from the Marine Department Hakataramea hatchery and into
streans above Lake 0hau.
The adult fish spawn in side streams and tributarìes, (the
Hakataramea) durìng March-June 'in fast-flowìng gravel areas. The fry
hatch out after approxìmately 3 months. Some remain up to one year
in fresh water, others migrate to the sea after a short period. Adult
fjsh return after 2-5 years at a size ranging from 2 - 22 kg. The
fry feed on small 'invertebrates, the adult fjsh do not feed whìlst
in fresh water.
(iv) Sockeye salmon (oncorhgnchus nerka)
Introduced in 1901-2 sockeye occur jn the hydro lake system and
have been recorded in the lower river - possibly they wash down as
t2.
fry from upstream. There is no conclusive evidence to indjcate a
poss'ibì e sea-goì ng run.
(v) Brook char (salvelinus fontinaJ-is)
This species occurs in some tributary areas (e.g. Hakataramea),
in isolated populations of small, (up to 150 mm) fish. It could also
occur in the headwaters of other tributary streams. At present it is
of no sportìng value in thjs area.
4. DISCUSSION
I¡lhilst some of the species present are of little fisheries importance,
others are necessary links'in the food chain of both other fish and
certain bird'l'ife, e.g. whitebait, common smelt, and some of the bully
species. 0f the introduced species, brown trout, rainbow trout and
quinnat salmon provide excellent sport'ing recreation, and attract large
numbers of anglers to the river. Qujnnat salmon also offer the
potentìal of a commercial industry. Pilot studies have already
commenced, v,,ith fry being released in an attempt to'induce a hatchery
run of returning adu'lt fìsh for harvestìng. Figure 5 gives a calendar
breakdown of varìous migrations, and critical perìods of the ljfe
h'istory of some of the spec'ies.
Thìs river is under consideration for future power development and
also river retrain'ing works by the Waitaki Catchment Commission for
flood control purposes. Idìth many species requiring access to and
from the sea, care must be taken not to block migratìon paths, destroy
necessary spawnìng areas. or lìving habjtat by dra'inage, siltat'ion, or
fluctuating fìows. The disappearance of some of the smaller fish
species could easìly reduce numbers of trout and some of the bird
I i fe through removal of food. Previ ous devel opments I j ke the I,Jai taki
Hydro Dam, completed jn 1935, have already decreased numbers of some
0uinnqtSotmon
B rownTrout
Roin bow
Trout
13.
+I
fi sh specìes.
Inongo Common
Bulty+
lã
+
d'CIEI!d
.â+
jtrl
{-,1d
I+
d
Jqn
Feb
Mor
Apr
Moy
Jun
Juty
Aug
Sept
0ct
Nov
Dec
FI GURE
+
J'd
ãCIrd-vtl
+
jr
+I
5. T'iming of the life history of some lower Waitaki
74.
species, (e.9. quinnat salmon) and further development, unìess carefully
planned, cou'ld further reduce this and other species in this river.
5. ACKNOI^JLEDGEMENTS
I thank Dr R.M. McDowall for comments on the manuscript ìn itspreparation.
6. LITERATURE CITED
Burnet, A.M.R. 1959" Electric fishing with pulsatory direct current.
N"Z. Journal of Science 2: 46-56.
Lagler, K.F. 1952. Freshwater Fishery Biology. l,.J.C. Brown Company,
Iowa. 42I pp.
McDowall, R.M. 1978. New Zealand Freshwater Fishes. Heinemann
Educational Books, Auckland. 230 pp.